Literary Studies Course - Themes, Motifs, Myths: An Introduction to Comparative Literature IIz/IIIz+p 3304-1DZXW-KL-048
The course will discuss basic comparative-literature terms such as motif, theme, myth, type, and topos. Students will become familiar with the theory and methods of analysing motifs, themes, and myths in literary texts. The discussion will address the following questions: how scholars define these concepts, what the differences between them are, from what perspectives one can study the presence of recurring semantic elements in literature, and how these elements function in a literary text. After the theoretical classes, students will analyse selected motifs, themes, and myths in French literature under the supervision of the teacher.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student:
1. knows and understands basic comparative-literature concepts such as motif, theme, myth, type, and topos, and is able to indicate the differences between them (K_W01);
2. knows selected theories and methods for studying recurring semantic elements in literature, especially motifs, themes, and myths (K_W02);
3. is able to analyse the functioning of motifs, themes, and myths in a literary text, taking into account their meaning, structure, and cultural context (K_U01);
4. is able to apply basic tools of comparative-literature analysis to the interpretation of selected texts from French literature (K_U02);
5. is ready to take part in critical discussion on various ways of defining and interpreting motifs, themes, and myths in literary studies (K_K01).
Assessment criteria
active participation in classes, written test
Bibliography
1. Y. Chevrel, La littérature comparée, Paris, PUF, (1989), 2009.
2. D. Souiller, La littérature comparée, Paris, PUF, 1997.
3. D.-H. Pageaux, La littérature générale et comparée, Paris, Armand Colin, 1994.
4. P. Brunel, C. Pichois, A.-M. Rousseau, Qu’est-ce que la littérature comparée, Paris, Armand Colin, 1983.
5. R. Trousson, Thèmes et mythes: questions de méthode, Bruxelles, Editions de l’Université de Bruxelles, 1981.